An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Hügel
Hügel, m., ‘hill, knoll,’ ModHG. only, introduced by Luther from MidG.: into the written language; in MidHG. (UpG.), bühel, hübel, were used, which, however, must be separated etymologically from Hügel; see Hübel. Hügel (Goth. *hugils), with dimin. suffix, is related by gradation to OHG. howg, MidHG. houc (-ges), ‘hill,’ which are explained under hoch.